In the Spotlight: Kimmoi Ferguson, Bloomfield Track and Field

Accomplishments: Threw 42 feet, 2 inches in the shot put on May 5 against E.O. Smith-Storrs to qualify for the New Balance National outdoor championship. Her throw is a foot farther than the Class S championship record and the best in New England this season. … Won the Irv Black Invitational on May 9 with a throw of 39-2 and the Middletown Invitational on May 2 with a throw 39-6. … Finished fifth at the State Open this indoor season after winning the Class S championship after throwing 37 feet.

On moving from Jamaica four years ago: "Coming here, I had the mentality that if I come here I can do well because there's lots of opportunity. But I had to remain focused because I knew the life I was living back home. I didn't want to go back there. I was trying to make a better life for myself, as well as my family. I had to remain focused no matter what struggles I faced."

On her personal-best throw of 42-2: "My friend and teammate Paul May was next to me and he was like, 'You want to go to the big girls' league, right? You can do it. You can do well. Just yell when you throw it.' So I said, 'OK, I don't know if I'm going to do it, but I'm going to [try].' I didn't yell but when I came around, I felt it coming up and then I pushed it. Before I even looked, I knew it was a good one."

On her self-imposed grade policy: "I need to get all As. When I started at the school, I was ranked 29 [in my class], and to me that was unacceptable. I came here for education. [She is ranked 7th this spring]."

Why I like shot put: "Whenever my brothers and sister are lifting something heavy, they always call me. I always like lifting heavy stuff. My brother is in the military, and they compare me to him."

Up next: Will throw for Trinity and study engineering.

In 10 years: "I want to start my own company where I can help people, and help people back home."

What I'm listening to: Gospel

I'm not a fan of: Pasta

Miscellaneous: Is part of National Honor Society, the National Spanish and French society, the Future Business Leaders of America, the math club and the robotics club.

Coach Anne Burrows said: "Of any kid I've ever coached, I have no doubt that [Ferguson] is going to be successful and that she is going to do what she has to do. That's just the type of kid she is. You can't hold her back. … Our [athletic director] is like, 'Why are we missing 20-pound weights from the weight room? Where are our weights?' [Ferguson] takes them, loads up her car and takes them home, and she'll do workouts at home. She puts in that extra [work]. She takes that extra step. She just wants it."